New York Knicks fans will not be happy about this after their team fell two games short of making the NBA Finals. According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, Kevin Durant wants to be traded to the Knicks, but the franchise has “no interest” in acquiring him.
“KD wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there,” Spears said Monday. “The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in, which probably makes Knicks nation, I don’t know, probably quite interested in why not.”
"KD wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in"
– @MarcJSpears
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
pic.twitter.com/AyimxX1vdj
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2025
The Knicks’ lack of interest in Durant is surprising, but they might not have the assets to make a trade work. In July 2024, New York sent five first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and a second-round selection to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a trade package for Mikal Bridges. The Knicks also appear reluctant to disrupt their core of Jalen Brunson, Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
Durant’s age and contract also complicate matters. He will be 37 entering the 2025-26 season and will earn $54.7 million in the final year of his deal. New York’s total cap allocations sit at $230.5 million with minus-$75.87 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.
Even though the Knicks appear off the board, Durant’s preferred destinations include the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat.
The 15-time All-Star averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists per game with the Phoenix Suns last season while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from three.
Matt Higgins worked in national and local news for 15 years. He started out as an overnight production assistant ... More about Matt Higgins